Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Winter storms in upstate NY can mean heavy snowfall and extreme cold for our entire region. Many winter storms can be accompanied by dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time.

Before:

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

- Rock salt or environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.

- Sand to improve traction

- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment

- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

 Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when a storm strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

 A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from local emergency services.

 Download FEMA’s "Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings" for a summary of notifications at: www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.

During:

 Stay indoors during the storm.

 Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.

 Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.

 Signs of Frostbite: Occurs when the skin and body tissue just beneath it freezes. Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose. Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in an attempt to warm it up. Seek medical help immediately.

 Signs of Hypothermia: Dangerously low body temperature. Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, seek medical attention immediately. Get the victim to a warm location. Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first by wrapping the person in blankets or putting on dry clothing. Give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Seek medical help immediately.

 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, if you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.

 Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.

 Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

 If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

 Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

 Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

 If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

After:

 If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely.

 Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.